In 1964, the Pontiac Tempest GTO was a new package designed to appeal to the need for speed found in many young Americans. The GTO name harkened to the famous Ferrari GTO, which was subject to a comparison test done by Car & Driver. The road test boldly claimed that the Pontiac Tempest GTO was faster in the quarter-mile than a Ferrari GTO, snapping off a 13.1 run down the drag strip.

This road test was credited with helping double Pontiac GTO sales, and solidifying its place among the muscle car pantheon. The “Ringer” GTO as it was called will be on display at this year’s GM Carlisle event, reports Hemmings Auto Blog.

The Ringer GTO was built in response to a Hot Rod review that called the GTO a “slug” in response to a 6.6 second 0 to 60 MPH and an almost 15 second quarter-mile. GM’s Jim Wagners demanded that the next GTO sent out for review be special ordered by him, and it was given the “Bobcat” package from Royal Pontiac. This included bigger carburetor jets,a close-ratio 4-speed transmission, and the big 389 V8.

However, Wagner actually had the engine bored out to 421 cubic-inches, as well as a special “insulation delete” package to save weight. With the Bobcat package and a Saf-T-Track differential, the Ringer GTO was estimated to have some 400 horsepower and Ferrari-beating performance. Owned by Tenney Fairchild and restored by Super Car Specialties, this one-of-a-kind car will be out for fans to see at this year’s GM Carlisle event June 20 to 22.

Such a Ringer would hardly pass muster these days, one would hope, and it’s amazing what automakers used to get away with.

Car owner Tenney Fairchild and Jim Wangers – the man who started it all.